What Is Administration?
Administration is the court process used when someone dies without a will (intestate). The court appoints an administrator — usually the closest living relative — and issues Letters of Administration, which authorize the administrator to collect assets, pay debts, and distribute the estate under New York law.
Who has priority to be appointed and who inherits are statewide rules — the same in every county. See our statewide probate vs. administration guide for the priority order and intestacy rules. This page covers what's specific to Staten Island.
Where to File on Staten Island
If the person who died was domiciled on Staten Island, the petition is filed with Richmond County Surrogate's Court at 18 Richmond Terrace, Staten Island, NY 10301— Richmond County is Staten Island's legal county name, and this is the Surrogate's Court serving the whole borough. The clerks' offices are on the 2nd Floor, Room 201.
Not sure Staten Island is the right county? See our statewide venue guide.
Filing by Mail or NYSCEF
The court accepts petitions and papers by mail — USPS regular or return-receipt mail, or FedEx/UPS — addressed to 18 Richmond Terrace, Staten Island, NY 10301. Include your contact information and an email address with the filing. E-filing through NYSCEF is accepted as well.
What You'll Need
- Death certificate — certified copy
- Administration petition and supporting documents (statewide forms)
- List of estate assets with approximate values
- Details for all legal heirs (distributees)
Filing Fees
Fees follow the same statewide estate-value schedule (SCPA 2402) in every county. See our statewide filing fees guide.
Free Help at the Court
The court has a Help Center reachable at 718-675-8508 or richsurrhelpctr@nycourts.gov. The New York State Bar Association also runs a pro bono program for certain Surrogate's Court matters (nysba.org/surrogatescourt).
Frequently Asked Questions
Which court handles administration cases for Staten Island?
Richmond County Surrogate's Court — Richmond County is Staten Island's legal county name. The court is at 18 Richmond Terrace, Staten Island, NY 10301, with the clerks' offices on the 2nd Floor, Room 201. The General Clerk's Office number is 718-675-8500.
Can I file an administration case by mail?
Yes. The court accepts petitions and papers by mail — USPS regular or return-receipt mail, or FedEx/UPS — sent to 18 Richmond Terrace, Staten Island, NY 10301. Include your contact information and an email address with the filing. E-filing through NYSCEF is also accepted.
Who has the right to be appointed administrator?
New York law sets a statewide priority order for who may receive Letters of Administration — generally the surviving spouse first, then children, and so on. This is the same in every county. Our statewide probate vs. administration guide explains the priority order and who inherits when there is no will.
What if the estate is small?
New York offers a simplified process (voluntary administration under SCPA Article 13) for qualifying small estates, filed in the same court. See our Staten Island small estates guide for details.
How much does administration cost on Staten Island?
Filing fees are set by state statute (SCPA 2402) and follow the same estate-value schedule in all 62 New York counties. See our statewide filing fees guide for the full schedule.